ʻAlalā

Description

ʻAlalā are the sole surviving member of a remarkable group of five endemic corvid species once found on at least four of the Hawaiian Islands. ‘Alalā do not exist anywhere else on the planet and evolved with the plants, animals, and culture of Hawaiʻi.

ʻAlalā were historically known to eat over 30 species of native fruits in the forests of Hawaiʻi Island, making them an important seed disperser for native plants. As an omnivore, their diet also includes nectar, flowers, insects, spiders, and dead animals. They are the largest and one of the most charismatic and culturally significant Hawaiian forest birds. Very intelligent and by far the loudest birds in the forest, ʻalalā make incredible human-like cries, screams, and moans.

In 2002, the last two wild birds were seen in a south Kona forest on Hawaiʻi Island. As biologists noted a steady decrease in the wild ʻalalā population through the 1970s and 1980s, a captive breeding program was initiated to prevent total species extinction. The ʻAlalā Project, a conservation partnership, fosters continued captive breeding activities and efforts reintroduce/rewild the species back onto the landscape.

Life History, Distribution, Habitat

ʻAlalā are social birds that typically traveled in family groups. They live as long as 18 years in the wild and up to 28 years in captivity, forming lifelong social bonds with each other. Pairs typically mate for life, producing 2-4 eggs per clutch. Immature birds remain with their parents for about 8 months. The young have blue eyes that transition to brown in adulthood.

On Hawai’i Island, ʻalalā were documented to utilize mesic, ‘ohi’a- koa dominated forests. They are important seed dispersers for forest regeneration, known to consume over 30 species of native fruits. Habitat degradation has contributed to their brink of extinction.

Conservation Efforts

Extinct in the wild since 2002, the ʻalalā — an ecologically and culturally important forest bird— is the focus of ongoing reintroduction efforts. Destruction of forest habitat, introduced predators like feral cats and rats, and introduced/invasive disease brought this iconic species to the brink of extinction. Through a decades-long collaborative conservaton partnership, this species is being given a second chance.

To learn about The ʻAlalā Project and ongoing collaborative efforts to restore Hawaiʻiʻs native crow to the wild, click here.

The ʻAlalā Project began recovery work on Hawai‘i Island. In 2021, the Maui Forest Bird Recovery Project joined the partnership to expand efforts to Maui Nui. A major milestone came with the release of five young ʻalalā, now adapting and thriving in Maui’s forests under daily monitoring. Currently, ʻalalā are protected in San Diego Zoo Wildlife Allianceʻs breeding program facilities on Maui and Hawaiʻi Islands.